Controversial Al Quds Day Protest Comes To London

Author

EJ Ward

June 18,2017

Thousands of people are expected to march through London towards the US embassy on Sunday for the Al Quds Day protest.

Billed as a demonstration in support of the Palestinian people. Quds Day is an annual event held around the world during the period of Ramadan. It began in 1979 when the Islamic Republic of Iran marked the day to express support for Palestinians and oppose the existence of Israel.

As of Sunday morning, over 23,500 people had signed a petition asking London Mayor Sadiq Khan to cancel the march, but a spokesperson for the City Hall said that the mayor could not prevent the march from taking place as long as protesters stayed within the confines of the law.

Hundreds of members of the Jewish community are expected to join a counter-demonstration against the march, which in previous years has seen flags of terrorist organisations Hezbollah and Hamas displayed on the streets of the capital.

A statement from organisers, the Islamic Human Rights Commission, gave instructions to participants and explains that marchers can carry Hezbollah flags: "participants are welcome to bring flags that show solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Flags of proscribed (illegal) organisations will not be allowed. For example, you can bring a Hezbollah flag to show support for the political wing of Hezbollah. This is because the political wing of Hezbollah is not a proscribed organisation."

Hezbollah's status as a legitimate political party, a terrorist group, a resistance movement, or some combination thereof is a contentious issue.The Arab League, United States, France, the Gulf Cooperation Council, Canada, the Netherlands, and Israel have classified Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation. The European Union, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Australia have proscribed Hezbollah's military wing as a terrorist organisation, while making a distinction with Hezbollah's political wing.

The march, and counter demonstrations are set to start at 3pm today, and will end up at the US Embassy in Grosvenor Square. The Sino team will be reporting live from the events so keep checking our Twitter @SINOinUK for the latest.